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4.3 TBI to a 4.3 VORTEC swap HELP


89 4x4 PU
03-12-2005, 09:51 AM
I've got a 89 s10 pick up, 2 door, 4 wheel drive, with the 4.3 l TBI...Engine is kind of worn and has that death rattle to it...tranny isn't too far behind either...

I bought a very nice 93(I believe, can't remeber exactly right now) s-10 blazer, four wheel drive, that has the 4.3 L Vortec engine.

Both trucks are automatics, 4WD, and my question is has anyone here swapped a TBI to Vortec? Any idea how hard it would be, particularly with the wiring harness and computer and electronics? Know quite a bit about nuts and bolts, but computer and chips and wires are a little scary to get into and mess with. ANY HELP APPRECIATED!

jsgold
03-12-2005, 10:47 PM
One thing to consider is that your current fuel pump will not feed the other engine if it is a CPI system, (not TBI) as it requires a lot more fuel pressure to start that motor (55-60 lbs+). That is for starters. Perhaps it would be better to transfer the TBI to your replacement engine rather than do this. Of course I am assuming yours is CPI. Check with others here and see if that may be a better option for you if it is.

rlith
03-13-2005, 06:05 AM
Personally I would go with the CPI...(Larger cam, better fuel injection etc)... What you will have to move over is the following

Engine
Engine Harness
Might as well move over the transmission (if you stick with your existing transmission you will need a 92 ECM because the 93 is a 4l60e electronic and the 92 is still teh manual 700r4)

When you do the motor swap a couple of things you should do...

Pull all the freeze plugs, replace them with brass. Throw in a new oil pump for giggles (they're cheap and you will already have the engine out). Clean up the engine. Check and replace any need vac lines.

Yeah, I say go with the CPI motor.

89 4x4 PU
03-13-2005, 10:15 AM
Thanks for the input...And yes, it is the CPI, left that info out.

So the pump should not be too difficult to figure out though right? But you say that's for starters...are there more problems? Yes the TBI and CPI difference would be a little work, and there may be a couple of other items that aren't in the same place, but overall it should swap in a weekend, it's a 4.3 to a 4.3...it is do-able with some changes that aren't too hard, is what I'm asking.
Thanks

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